Frayed Edges

Old News

"So you didn't come cause you missed me?" Alex smirked. His dirty blonde hair was longer than the last time she had seen it, and he had to push the front few strands out of his eyes as he spoke.

"I miss you like crazy Alex" she whispered and the corner of his lip pulled into a small smile. All her fears dissolved into nothingness when she felt the true and real presence of her brother sat just a few inches in front of her. Whenever she was scared or worried he was always there to calm her nerves and this time was no different.

"Where are you living? I asked Drew but he said he didn't know. I worry when I don't hear from you"

"Bensonhurst" she muttered "Olivia set it up for me of course, no way I could afford it otherwise, guess it's her way of saying thanks. Drew is in Cobble Hill of course"

"I'm just glad you're not in that old neighbourhood" he laughed lowly.

"I miss it" she replied gently.

"No you don't you miss us all being there'' he replied flatly and she knew he was right. Alex rolled up the sleeves of his orange jumpsuit revealing the crudely inked tattoos underneath. Her eyes explored them, fondly remembering each and every one.

Many a drunken night had ended with the group impulsively tattooing scribbled etchings on one another's skin. Despite the stupidity of the act, she couldn't help but laugh at the memories. On instinct she reached out and traced the wobbly 'M' sketched above his thumb.

"You always did have trouble keeping your hands steady" he grinned "Are you stil-" He began and Mia didn't need him to finish. The tremble in her fingers was back with full force and they both knew why.

"Yeah" she mumbled "it's the only thing keeping my head above water" Worry was etched across Alex's brow and he looked like he had more to say but Mia quickly changed the subject. "How are they treating you?"

"I get by" he replied gently "Olivia has guys in here that look after me" his eyes scanned the tables behind her but Mia had no intention of looking. She had assumed as much, it was the least she could do after what he had done for her. Olivia may not be the kindest but she looked after her own.

Four years had passed since Alex had stood in the courthouse stands, admitting to counts of possession and transactions that would have been impossible for him to commit. Even the prosecutors knew he had been out of state for at least two of the accusations but they didn't care. All they wanted was a face to stick to the crime.

She remembered the slight cheer from the arresting officers when the judge sentenced him to eight years. It had ripped her heart from her chest and she couldn't stop the hot tears from spilling down her cheeks. Drew's hand tightened around hers but his face stayed stoic and emotionless as always. Still, it didn't take a genius to work out that he was hurting just as much as she was.

Olivia was outside the court steps when they left, dressed in her usual crisp black suit. Those who didn't know better would assume that she was a lawyer herself, instead of the cold criminal she really was. A curt nod was all she sent in Mia's direction before she and Drew stepped away for a moment to discuss their settlement.

Alex lost eight years of his life that day and all Mia had to show for it was an apartment and a couple grand stashed away for him when he got out. A shitty deal if ever anyone heard one. But what could they do. Olivia always got what she wanted.

"I'm scared Alex... Drew is back at the club he's got all these crazy plans and now he has me involved"

When she looked up she expected to see his face contorted in worry and fear but to her surprise he was smiling. For once, her brother's grin was not a comforting sign. It sent a shiver down her spine as the corner of his lips twisted into a smirk.